Do you choose to be a Christian because of what you can receive or because of what you want to give?

Answer 1

Hi Kait,

Here's a real conservative Lutheran view for you...

Because of our sinful nature (original sin) we are unable to choose Christ, however God our Heavenly Father created us and all thing thereby choosing us. We are called to faith by the Holy Spirit. Being sinfull selfish humans, we probably are in it for ourselves.

Faith certainly motivates us to do good works for our fellow man, and therefore for God "what so ever you do for the least of these people you do also for me". After all "Faith without works is dead".

Yet those without faith also do good works, following the quote above works without faith are futile. All this being said, we all are guilty of doing good things to alleviate guilt, to feel joy, to receive recognition by our peers, and even God.

Non Christians often say "I know people who don't go to
Church who do a lot more good than some of the people I see in Churches. The bottom line is this: Believers and non believers alike can do good things for others, but only those with faith produce good works that are fruits of the Spirit.

Works of believers and non-believers alike gain NO merit with God, it's only through faith that we receive Gods Grace.

Your friend in Christ,

Mark

Answer 2

You know sister.. as believers in Christ we are actually receivers of all that He is into us. He said that He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly ( John 10:10)
We are such receivers of this Precious One .. we are the branches in the Vine, learning day by day how to abide in this Life Giving One. Out from this kind of abiding and receiving of Christ we are those that give Christ to others. We are like that hose that is connected to the tap that is a receiver on the one end yet is a giver on the other end. The Lord would have us be such a channel for Him today. He is our head in the Heavens and we are His body here on the earth. Holding To Him and growing up into Him. Receiving all of His riches and becoming to means and the way for Him to give Himself to others as the Gospel.. as Love.. as Light..and so much more.

There is an amazing verse by our Brother AB Simpson
Once it was the Blessing
Now it is the Lord
Once it was a feeling
Now it is His word
Once the Gift I wanted
Now the Giver own
Once I sort for healing
Now Himself alone

All in all forever
Only Christ I'll sing
Everything is in Christ
And Christ is EVERYTHING

Praise the Lord

Good Q sis
ur sister
sandy

Answer 3

I choose to be a Christian b/c my faith in God...and we Christians are suppose to worship him...it doesn't matter if we get a reward or not...
I know this is totally different from religion but do u choose to obey your parents b/c they'll reward you and won't ground you...or do u choose to obey out of respect?
Even though parenting has nothing to do with religion choice I think thats the best example i can give...you respect your parents just b/c they gave you life...You (as a Christian) respect and worship God b/c he created the universe and all things in it. Not b/c you're looking for a reward at the end...thats being a "fake"

Answer 4

I am a Christian because I seen the wonderful way God had reached out to me...I have always known church but never did I know the real Jesus until 3 years ago,when He took me by the hand and taught me...I am amazed at how powerful and wonderful He is,,I want to give everything I can back to Him...

Answer 5

I chose Christianity because of what I have learnt from God, the Lord and how it affects the worship of God and my salvation. To me the whole thing makes sense eternally. So... it is the wisest choice to make. That is why I am a Christian to begin with. But in maturing in my faith I've found that the worship of God is more and more deeper than I've originally thought. In my studies of my faith I have found that there is a lot required of me, and there is a great gift to be placed in me. I have been chosen, I have answered, now I am working the best ' i can ' to be what God wants of me.
Despite myself God will craft what He wants of me.
In the end it is both reasons you have posted. I maintain my choice because of what I can give, and because of what I am to receive.
I have learnt that I can give my love (agape) and I will receive His love (agape). Very simple, but very difficult.

Answer 6

I choose to be a Christian because I recieve God's Saving Grace. I choose to be a Christian because maybe I can help someone else recieve His blessings and He can become their Savior too. Have you recieved Christ? Hope so. Love in His Name.

Answer 7

people choose a religion for the rewards, and that's it. people may give because the reward is that it feels good or makes them a better christian and therefore get the christian reward of heaven. centuries ago people didn't have a choice, it was christianity or death, so they chose christianity. this goes for every religion, and every action.

Answer 8

I choose to be Christian-like because it is the right thing to do. Love and acceptance are never wrong. I don't do anything hoping I will be rewarded for it. That is pathetic.

Answer 9

Because of both.To give is to receive.

Answer 10

I chose to follow God because He called me to. It is about what we can do for others, not what we will get. Yes, the ultimate gift is ours, saved from our sin, with our Lord, our King, Jesus Christ, having taken the wrath for them, giving us eternal life in Heaven. Wow. Why would you not choose.

God Bless.